Bob & Bonnie Martin (22598)
South Dakota Rushmore Roamers – Presidents
Our 2023 Chapter Rally at Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, Nebraska, is currently wrapping up, and so far, it has been an ideal rally. Bonnie’s appetizers at the happy hours were great, and a far cry from your average campfire delight. We all enjoyed a hayrack ride to a chuck wagon breakfast, a hayrack ride to a steak cookout among the Buttes, a Buffalo Stew chuck wagon cookout, and a dinner at the lodge. The rodeo was rained out but some of us drove up to the Toadstool Geologic area, also known as the Nebraska Badlands, some of us even went fishing and a few of us attended a professional summer stock repertory theater musical production. We were on our own to take in the museum, the historic vet clinic, several restored historical buildings, a stagecoach ride, a Jeep ride among the bluffs, trail rides, bike rides and hikes, a lazy float down the river, a historical narrated tour in a horse drawn carriage, and a swim in the pool. All this and the social happy hours, with our own games and prizes…. whew!!
On the way to Ft. Robinson State Park, we stopped by Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to take in the Scottsbluff National Monument. Around 500,000 people passed through here while on the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails in the mid 1800’s. Scottsbluff was the second most mentioned item in the journals and diaries of the emigrants only surpassed by mention of Chimney Rock, 23 miles east from here. Scottsbluff was a welcome respite from the monotonous prairie the pioneers just crossed, and a place to regain the strength they needed for the more arduous journey ahead. You can drive up the towering bluff and take one of the many trails for the dramatic views of the surrounding area. From the knowledgeable staff at the visitor center you can learn about those who went before us.
We like to make travel plans that take us to or close by our National Parks and Monuments wherever we go as they are always worthwhile stops. With all the scenery that passes by the huge windshield of Newmar coach, we need to stop often and walk or hike to get a true feeling for where we are. That is why we embrace the 2X4 driving philosophy of driving 200 miles or four hours and then spend a minimum of two (2) days wherever we are. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule, as often we need to be at an event or place in less time and must put more miles on the road in a day. Stay safe, take your time and Happy Trails!